Some of the Pharaoh's nobles considered him to be no more than a skillful magician 109 who seeks to drive you out from your land. What would you have us do?' 110 They said: "Put him and his brother off (awhile) and send out heralds to the cities 111 to bring together at the Pharaohs court all the skillful magicians. 112 And the magicians came to Pharaoh. They said, "Indeed for us is a reward if we are the predominant." 113 'Yes' he answered, 'and you will be among those near' 114 They said: O Moses! Either throw (first) or let us be the first throwers? 115 He answered: "You throw [first]." And when they threw down [their staffs,] they cast a spell upon the people's eyes, and struck them with awe, and produced mighty sorcery. 116 And [then] We inspired Moses, "Throw down thy staff!" - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions: 117 ۞ Thus was the Truth vindicated and that which they were doing was made vain. 118 Pharaoh and his men were defeated and put to shame, 119 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves 120 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 121 The Lord of Moses and Aaron. 122 Said Pharaoh: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Behold, this is indeed a plot which you have cunningly devised in this [my] city in order to drive out its people hence! But in time you shall come to know, [my revenge]: 123 I will cut off your hands and feet on the alternate sides and crucify you all." 124 The magicians said, "We will certainly return to Our Lord. 125 "But thou dost wreak thy vengeance on us simply because we believed in the Signs of our Lord when they reached us! Our Lord! pour out on us patience and constancy, and take our souls unto thee as Muslims (who bow to thy will)! 126